Only days ago, the bus arrived at the MacCready Farmhouse parking lot. Now, we approach our last day at Whiteface for Ski Week 2016. Saturday will be a cold one, but the buzz of a new year has already promised to warm up the campers. It will be another exciting day of winter sports and mountaineering, followed up by a later-than-usual ‘lights out’ to allow for the New Years Eve celebration. Yet, after a week at the mountain, it will be no easy task to stay awake for the ball drop.

To recap, we had a high-energy start to the week. The first day took off well and we got to the mountain earlier than most. Then, despite long days and early mornings, we even managed to eek out to the slopes earlier in the days that followed. Wonderful lunches were packed and the cookies still continued to boast their popularity. The Pok-O campers and counselors have become a common sight at Base Camp this time of year, commandeering the corner tables; especially since this is our 50th Ski Week anniversary!

Ski week is a special time for campers and often acts as a reunion to stave off the longing for another summer. Familiar faces come together to celebrate tradition and share them across the seasons. Hot chocolate and tea still has a policy and saying “tonight” during a meal still causes an explosion of singing.

Yes, we do ski/snowboard, many hours of it, but the fun does not stop when the snow gloves come off. Nighttime activities during Ski Week include movies, games, filmmaking, hikes and rock-climbing. Often, with the bursting energy in the Pok-O Queen during this time, it’s hard to fathom that a whole day was spent at the mountain. Yet, there is a curious lack of opposition when it comes time for lights-out.

We thought you’d all like to hear more about what goes on here during this special week, so we put together a special ski-week edition of “Ask the Camper” video; . Enjoy!

If you’re interested in rock climbing in the Adirondacks, an indoor rock climbing center is a great way to learn or hone your skills. Located in the Adirondacks, The Crux climbing center in Willsboro, NY offers a wide array of indoor climbing elements and routes to climbers of all ages and abilities. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is also pretty fun to hang out with, too.

Winter is the Perfect Time to Learn to Rock Climb

When the weather is nice, the last place you want to be is inside, which is why winter is the perfect time to learn to rock climb. The Crux, which is owned and operated by Pok-O-MacCready Camps and used almost exclusively by campers in the summer, is open to the public from mid-October to mid-May. So that when the snow melts and the weather turns warm, you’ll be ready to get out and explore rock climbing in the Adirondacks.

Discounts on Indoor Rock Climbing

The Crux offers recurring events throughout the winter season for big discounts and deals on indoor rock climbing. The first Monday of every month is Ladies Night, when all women can climb for free, and men can do the same of the third Monday of the month. There’s also a $10 College Night and free equipment rentals for the Kids Club.

Host an Indoor Rock Climbing Party

Indoor rock climbing is great for school trips, girl scout & boy scout troops, corporate team building retreats, birthday parties and community groups. At The Crux, groups of 8-15 climbers qualify for a special rate, and the space is also available to rent for your private party or function.

Is Your Child Interested in a Summer Camp with Rock Climbing?

Pok-O-MacCready Camps offers intensive climbing classes at The Crux as part of their summer camp in the Adirondacks. Sessions last from 2 weeks to 7 weeks and include both overnight and day camp options. Request a free DVD and information packet from Pok-O-MacCready camps, or contact the Outdoor Education Center for more information on the indoor climbing center.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people hike strictly for the views at the summit. Sure, the top of the mountain is a beautiful and rewarding part of the hike, but what about the rest of the time you spend in the woods? So many people complain about the walk; about the difficulty and the distance, the weather, etc.